Boys with ASD or ADHD Are at Increased Risk for Problematic Video Game Use

7/29/2013For Release: July 29, 2013

Article Body

​​​​​​​​​​A study in the August issue of Pediatrics, “Video GameUse in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development,”
(published online July 29) surveyed parents of 141 boys, ages 8 to 18, about
their video game usage. The study found that boys with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD) spent much more time playing video games than their typically
developing peers (2.1 versus 1.2 hours per day). Boys with ASD and those
with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) had greater in-room access
to video games and were at greater risk for problematic or addictive video game
use than typically developing boys. Inattention (but not hyperactivity) was associated
with problematic game use in boys with ASD and those with ADHD, and a
preference for role-playing games was particularly associated with problematic
game use in boys with ASD. The authors state that these findings show a need
for heightened awareness and assessment of problematic video game use for
children with ASD and ADHD.

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